Tears in the eyes of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal during the retirement of his arch-rival Roger Federer spoke words about their iconic rivalry. However, that also means that the two players pushed each other to their best, as per Mats Wilander. The former world no. 1 Swedish player is now a tennis analyst and has not minced his words while criticizing Roger Federer.

Obviously one of the greatest admirers of Federer, Wilander once crossed a line with his words after the French Open in 2006. And Federer made sure Wilander realized his mistake.

Roger Federer made Mats Wilander apologize for his careless statement 

The Swiss Maestro has won 20 Grand Slam titles during his glorious career. However, only one of them is from the French Open. The clay-court season was not Federer’s favorite and was Nadal’s forte. So when Federer faced a four-set defeat at the 2006 French Open against Nadal, Wilander did not go easy with his words. As mentioned in the book, ‘The Roger Federer Effect’ he stated, “I think Roger Federer, today, unfortunately, came out with no b**ls. Sports are about b**ls and heart.”

His next statement was said in the heat of the moment which proved quite costly for him. Wilander said, “He might have them, but against Nadal, they shrink to a very small size, and it’s not once; it’s every time.” This was quite a bash that Federer must have read through. So, what led on was the consequence of Wilander’s words. The Swiss Maestro is known for his amiable nature but he started to avoid Wilander at tournaments.

Trending

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Rafael Nadal vs Darwin Blanch; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 23, 2024 07:15 PM EDT

Barcelona Open: How Much Money Will Stefanos Tsitsipas or Casper Ruud Earn for Winning the Title?

April 21, 2024 12:16 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Fashion ‘Upgrade’ Stumps Tennis World As They React to Her Outing With Rumored Boyfriend

April 23, 2024 06:48 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Wilander picked up on the cold treatment and realized his mistake. Though the intention was to be a wake-up call for Federer, he realized the choice of words was wrong. Eventually, when he held an interview with him, Federer mentioned, “Some people think I have a Nadal syndrome.”

41-Year-Old Roger Federer’s Laver Cup Mates Set To Face Off in an Epic French Open Clash As They Put Everything on the Line for Grand Slam Glory

Wiladner found the opportunity and apologized to the player right away. He stated, “Okay, Roger, I think I’m one of them. want to apologize for using the words I used when I tried to make my point.” 

Keeping his chivalry intact, he forgave Wilander and they eventually had a good relationship after that. Coming from Federer, this cold treatment is undoubtedly new. However, it showed that even the Swiss Maestro has his limits.

WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer